This silver-winning Italian gymnast at the Paris Olympics has the country’s parmiggiano cheese going viral

Giorgia Villa is basically the coolest athlete ever. The Italian gymnast not only snagged a silver medal at the Olympics but also managed to become an internet sensation for her totally unexpected side hustle: being a massive cheese lover.

The 21-year-old, who helped Italy clinch its first Olympic gymnastics medal in 96 years, has been the face of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese since 2021.

A series of playful photos featuring Villa in her leotard, interacting with giant wheels of Parmesan, has taken social media by storm. From doing splits over cheese to cuddling up with a wedge, imagine the wildest and we kid you not, we’ll find you a photo of it with the athlete.

Yeah, you read that right. The woman who can do a perfect split on a balance beam is equally at home chilling with a giant wheel of Parmesan. Pics of her doing gymnastic moves on top of, under, and even eating the cheese have gone absolutely viral. It’s like she’s found the perfect combo of athleticism and indulgence.

Olympic silver medalist and Italian gymnast Giorgia Villa is sponsored by parmesan cheese and takes many of her photos while posing with large wheels of cheese pic.twitter.com/klx8PEuFPN

— Women Posting W’s (@womenpostingws) July 31, 2024

And, we’re not just talking about any cheese here. This is Parmigiano Reggiano, the fancy Italian kind that takes forever to make.

The captivating images of Giorgia Villa and Parmigiano-Reggiano are the work of photographer Gabriele Seghizzi.

The shoot has also brought renewed attention to Emilia-Romagna, the region renowned for its culinary excellence. Home to prosciutto, pasta, and a plethora of other gastronomic delights, the region has found a new ambassador in Giorgia Villa. Parmigiano-Reggiano, a cornerstone of the Emilia-Romagna food scene, has benefited immensely from the viral sensation.

Impressive to see someone go from cartwheels to cheesewheels.

— Nathie 🔜 Gamescom (@NathieVR) July 31, 2024

Produced in a strict, regulated manner, Parmigiano-Reggiano is a product of passion and precision. Each wheel undergoes rigorous quality control, with only the finest cheeses earning the coveted label. The process, from the cows’ diet to the ageing of the cheese, is a testament to Italian craftsmanship.

Honestly, we’re all kinda jealous of Villa’s life right now. Gymnastics silver at the Olympics and unlimited Parmesan? We’d sign up for that.

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